Co-worker dispute turns into shooting in Caddo Parish; CPSO investigates

KEITHVILLE, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating an altercation between co-workers that ended in gunfire.

Caddo 911 call logs show a reported shooting on the 3200 block of Stagecoach Road in Keithville at 11:12 a.m. on Friday, with 16 CPSO units responding. Investigators said two co-workers got into an argument when one of them pulled a handgun and shot the other.

Witnesses stated that a male suspect, identified as Joseph Whitaker, had suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to his upper body. He was initially transported to Willis Knighton South by a private vehicle and later transferred to Ochsner LSU Health-Shreveport, stated CPSO.

According to investigators, the victim had attempted to leave a ‘heated verbal altercation by getting into his truck. However, Whittaker approached the victim and began hitting him in the head.

‘As the victim was under attack, he produced a firearm and, in fear for his life, fired two rounds at Whitaker. After firing, he left the scene but returned moments later when deputies arrived.’

CPSO said the victim acted in self-defense, and Whitaker was contacted at the hospital and issued a summons for simple battery.

The alleged shooter is in Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office custody, and the victim was brought to a local hospital for treatment of injuries that are considered non-life-threatening.

This is an ongoing investigation, and we will provide additional information as it becomes available from the sheriff’s office.